Global Shipment of Androids to Exceed 1 Billion by 2013

Damaged Android smartphoneAccording to IHS, the total number of Android phones shipped globally will exceed the 1 billion mark by 2013. The first Android-run smartphone was first shipped in 2008 and almost five years later, the number of shipments is expected to surpass the 1 billion mark.

Daniel Gleeson said that Android smartphones have taken the world by surprise. “We expect the Android smartphones to become the first to reach the milestone in its lifetime,” he said.

Android operating system is owned by Google and they make the software available to third party smartphones brands free of charge.

Android Smartphones Dominates the Market

Google chairman Eric Schmidt confirmed the news in a recent interview. He said that there are currently over 500 million Android phones worldwide. He also said that there are about 1.3 million devices being activated each day. “If the trend continues, we will hit the 1 billion mark by next year,” he said. Mr. Schmidt also said Android had won the battle with Apple’s iOS.

Android is King in Asia

A recent report by Dr. Madanmohan Rao claims that the recent success of South Korean mobile firm Samsung can be attributed to the Android operating system. Thanks to Android, Samsung is now the leading mobile company in south East Asia. As a matter of fact, half of all the smartphones sales in South East Asia are Samsung phones.

The Android fever has also swept Philippines and other Asian countries. A large number of people prefer Android phones as opposed to other phones. Globe Telecom, the leading telecommunications company in the Philippines, recently launched the Samsung Galaxy Note II. The phone has a 1.6 GHz quad-core processor, 5.5 inch HD super AMOLED, 3100mAH battery and many more features. It goes without saying that the phone is powered by the Android operating system.

The sad thing about people who buy Android smartphones is that most of them damage their phones within the first 6 months of purchase. Many people think that once their smartphone is damaged, it cannot be fixed. Contrary to common belief, damaged smartphones can easily be repaired. We at iFixYouri specialize in repairing damaged smartphones.

Is the Phablet a Trend?

The mobile device market offers a huge array of different options for consumers, with various bells and whistles and functions and styles.  After the cell phone inherited a big brother in the tablet, the door was open to design devices that would fit somewhere in between the two.  Enter the mini-tablet and the “phablet”.

These are essentially all versions of the same tool, with various sizes.  Each type of device has similar capabilities, the only difference is whether it will fit in your pocket.

What is a Phablet, Anyway?

According to Wikipedia, a phablet is a mobile device that has a screen between 5-7 inches, larger than an average phone, and smaller than the average tablet.

Which Models are Considered Phablets?

The phablet was ushered in with Samsung’s Galaxy Note, which includes the use of a stylus.  Users can sketch and write on-screen.  About 10 million phablets have been sold by Samsung since autumn last year.

The future phablet contenders are rumored to be the LG Intuition and the HTC Droid Incredible X.

One thing is for sure: no matter what the size of the device, or the coined phrase for the new item, all electronics are susceptible to damage.  Another thing is for sure: iFixYouri is your best chance to rescue a damaged mobile device.  Phone, phablet, tablet – iFixYouri can repair it all.

 

How To Video Chat On Android with Tango


With smartphones, it is possible to video chat with people around the world, from anywhere in the world. Initially, the video chat feature was only available to those with a home computer. Nowadays, if you have an android OS enabled phone, there are many apps that allow you to make a video call.

For instance, Tango is a good example of a voice and video chat app that you may want to consider. This is an excellent app that allows you to call and watch your friends on the screen of your smartphone device.

Installing the Tango App

First, you’ll need a working phone.  If you’ve got an Android phone that is not behaving properly or is physically damaged, iFixYouri’s expert technicians will fix your Android phone properly and efficiently.

Video chatting through Android cannot be achieved if you do not have the supporting app to help you use the feature. You will need to visit the respective website dealer through your phone and locate the Tango apps from the list. The app is free and comes in different formats, including android phone.

Tap the icon of the app and give it time to download in your phone. Normally, the process takes some few minutes and after that you are done.

Getting Started with Tango

Once the app has been installed into your phone, you’ll be asked to create a Tango account, which is necessary to use the chat feature.

Once you are done, the app will proceed by linking all your mobile phone contacts stored in your device. Unfortunately, to enjoy a video chat session with any of your friends, they must also have a Tango account.  Fortunately, the app and service are free.

Invite Your Friends

If you notice your friends have a phone that can support this app, this is the time to ask as many as you can to open an account with Tango. This can be done quickly and easily, thanks to the “invite” tab which comes with the app once installed in the phone.

Making a Video Call

After convincing your friends to install the app in their phones, you can now make that important call. Simply choose the name of the person you want to call, tap on the name and your device will link to their phone, provided they have a Tango account. The app will prompt you to start a video chat after asking you to turn on your camera.

If you have a phone that has a front-facing camera, you will be able to see the video of your caller from the other end. However, if your device only has a back-facing camera, do not worry since tango also supports such phones.

The Top Windows Smartphones

At a point in time, Apple was the undisputed leader in the smartphone niche in the absence of any substantial competition. However, with the emergence of Android and more recently, Windows Phone, things have changed quite a bit. These new mobile operating systems have received both critical acclaim and popular acceptance. Microsoft was the most recent software giant to enter the mobile OS niche with the introduction of the Windows smartphone.

The Best Windows Phone Brands

In the short span of time since its release, the software has made quite a stir in the mobile market. Just like Android, the Windows OS is available in smartphones of different brands. Based on their performance and features, the following is a list of some of the best Windows smartphones:

1. Nokia Lumia 900

Nokia’s flagship phone, Nokia Lumia 900 is being touted as the best Windows smartphone available in the market as of now. To begin with, it comes with a high resolution 4.3 inch AMOLED screen, a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor, 512 MB RAM, and 16 GB internal storage.

As with all phones powered by the Windows OS, it has many pre-installed apps like Microsoft Office, Xbox, OneNote etc. At the same time, it also has apps exclusive to Nokia like CNN, ESPN, Creative Studio etc. All said done, the Nokia Lumia 900 is an ideal combination of spectacular configuration and impressive apps. Significantly, the other smartphones in the Lumia range (i.e. Lumia 800 and Lumia 710) have also received largely positive reviews.

2. HTC Radar 4G

Let’s start with the basic configurations: the HTC Radar runs on Windows 7.5 Mango and is powered by a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor. In addition to this, it has 512 MB RAM and 8 GB internal storage. The screen size is 3.8 inches which makes it very comfortable to hold. The solid technical specifications are supplemented by sleek and smooth design, making the HTC Radar quite a strong contender in the Windows phone market.

3. Samsung Focus Flash

When it comes to technical specifications, there isn’t a lot separating the Samsung Focus Flash from HTC Radar 4G. Just like the HTC Phone, this smartphone boasts of Windows 7.5 Mango, 512 RAM, and 8 GB internal memory. It does have a better processor which clocks in at 1.4 GHz. In terms of looks and design, the Samsung Focus Flash stands out with its sharp edges and geometrical feel. On the flip side, the battery life is strikingly low, even for a smartphone. Additionally, the 5-megapixel camera might disappoint some photography enthusiasts.

Apart from these, other Windows smartphones like HTC Titan and HTC Surround have also managed to impress with their overall performance. One must remember that Windows OS was launched not very long ago and has made terrific progress since then. While the market has already seen some great Windows smartphones like the Nokia Lumia 900, there is reason enough to believe that the best is yet to come.

If you get your hands on one of these new models, and an accident occurs where the phone stops working properly, you can get the device repaired at iFixYouri.  The repair company is experienced in every smartphone model on the market and can get your Windows Phone working again.

A Broken Cell Phone Means a Disrupted Life

cell-phone-smartphoneText messaging, mobile internet and electronic mail on the go — it is difficult, and even impossible for some people, to imagine life without these technological advances. For some individuals, being without their mobile phones and smartphones makes them feel uneasy and uncomfortable. Mobile technology has not just influenced society, it’s defined it. And a broken cell phone can mean an interrupted life.

 

Attitude towards Mobile Use

An outstanding 84% of users worldwide said that they could not go a single day without having their mobile devices on hand.  So when the mobile device breaks, it needs to be fixed ASAP, or life gets seriously disrupted.  At iFixYouri, we know how important the devices can be in your life, and getting your smartphone repaired quickly and properly is the #1 goal.

Mobile Phone Use and Relationships

Texting has become the avenue for flirting and for asking a person out on a date. Surprisingly, the convenience and ease of texting has pushed some 24% of texters to coordinate or even commit adultery.

Mothers and fathers feel that their wireless devices have enabled them to become better parents. They also believe that, although gadgets may be a source of distraction for their kids, there are more benefits for their children in learning about technology.

Government and Politics

Mobile technology enables a person to check out the latest news at any time, at any place. As a result, citizens all over the world, particularly in United States and China, have become better informed about current events and news.

Business, Commerce and Economy

People agree that wireless mobile technology has strengthened the economy and accountability of the government and of government officials. With this technology, individuals are able to work even when they are away from the office.

Indubitably, the mobile phone has replaced money to be the object one must never leave home without.

5 Most Common Reasons for iPhone 5 Repair

Inevitably, soon after the release of the popular iPhone 5 smartphone, new owners began searching for information regarding iPhone 5 repair.  At iFixYouri, our experience with the previous iPhone models means that we are fully prepared to fix any issue that your iPhone 5 will need.

Top Reasons For Needing iPhone 5 Repair

1. Water Damage.

Dropping a phone in a toilet, sink, or bathtub is an accident that owners hope they will never experience themselves. A moment of carelessness does result in a damaged smartphone that needs professional repair or replacement. Water that seeps into the inner circuitry can render an iPhone useless leaving the owner without a phone until a replacement is obtained.

2. Impact Damage.

Dropping, stepping on, or even running over a phone with a vehicle are the most common causes of broken screens and cracked outer cases. Modern smartphone screens are fabricated from glass designed to withstand a certain level of abuse, but only to a certain extent. A strong impact will still break the touch screen in many instances.

3. Battery Malfunction.

Phone batteries that do not charge properly are additional reasons for repair. Some batteries may hold a charge but die out quickly, which also indicates functionality problems. The root cause is often a manufacturing defect in the battery, and a replacement one will solve this issue.

4. Nonworking Buttons.

The home button occasionally gets stuck from frequent use, and this can make regular phone use an annoyance. Other related problems include a broken side switch for turning off the ringtone or non-working volume control.

5. Connectivity Problems.

Inability to pick up any wireless Internet is an additional cause for repair. This problem often stems from firmware errors or similar issues with the operating system. Related phone problems include apps that do not download or install correctly.

Is Radiation Exposure Linked to Cell Phone Use?

radiation-cell-phoneOne of the concerns of cell phone users is whether they are exposed to unhealthy amounts of radiation when using cell phones.

A number of countries have started looking at the dangers linked with cellphone radiation and have started setting standards for the usage of the phones. Some countries ban the use of these phones in public places like trains.

Some medical experts believe that radiation from cell phones is more dangerous than cigarette smoke, because of the wider use of these appliances; however, there is not scientific consensus about how much danger a cell phone can actually cause.  The amount of cell phone use could be a factor, as well as using a physically-damaged cell phone that needs repair.

The Dangers Involved

The operation of cell phones involves using electromagnetic radiation from the microwave region in this spectrum. This radiation is absorbed by the human body and thus users of cell phones are constantly exposed to such radiation. The amount of radiation that is emitted by a cellphone will depend on its model. Such radiation is measured as a Specific Absorption Rate, and safe levels are those below 1.6. W/kg of body weight.

Such radiation is also emitted by cellular towers that dot most city landscapes and are also found all over the country. It is said that such radiation has the possibility of being carcinogenic.

Factors Affecting Risk

  • Radiation from cellphones can vary depending on where the antenna is placed. Handsets that have these antennas very close to the ear piece are more damaging. It is best to use air tube headsets in order to reduce the radiation.
  • Phones should be switched off when not in use.
  • It is best to limit the use of cellphones by children, as they are more vulnerable to such radiation.

When you are overexposed to this form of electromagnetic field radiation, you will notice tingling and burning sensations in the head, hands and face, and probably some pain. You may feel very tired, be subject to fits of absentmindedness and find it difficult to sleep. While yet not really proved, scientists feel such radiation can cause cancers, tumors and tissue damage.

Protection

There are a number of ways that can help to protect a person from radiation caused by cellphones or cellular towers.

It is possible to protect a home completely from outside electromagnetic radiation with the use of specific ‘net’-like devices. There are also accessories that can change the position of the antenna so that radiation is kept away from the head. It is not possible to block all radiation that emanates from a cellphone, as this will prevent it from working.

There are certain proprietary products available that will prevent the radiation getting through to sensitive parts of the body. These protection devices are attached to the ear piece and prevent most of the radiation, over 90 percent, from entering the head. The percentage of blocking can also depend on the model of the phone. There are also radiation free headsets available that can block all radiation.

Make iPhone Ringtones for Free in iTunes

free-iphone-ringtones-ifixyour

So you just bought an iPhone, and you want to buy a custom ringtone. Then you discover the songs are a buck each, and then another buck to make them into a ringtone on iTunes. If you want them for free, I’ll show you how to do it all within iTunes, no external program required.

Set Up for Free iPhone Ringtone

What to do first is to go into iTunes and pick a song. You can only pick a song that was not bought in the iTunes store. So either a song ripped from a CD, or that you find elsewhere on the internet.

Take the song, right-click on it and select “Get info”. Go down to the options menu and pick the start time and the stop time. Say the part of the song that you want to use for a ringtone is in the middle of it.  Indicate the start time for when the section of the song begins, and end it wherever you want. It doesn’t matter where it is in the song, as long as it lasts less than 40 seconds. Notice there are no dots in between minutes and seconds.

Now you’ve set when the song starts, and when it stops. If you were to play the song now that you’ve created a start and stop time, it will only last as long as the segment you indicated, even though the length of the song will still be the same. What you can do is right-click again, and choose “create AAC version”.  Create an AAC version and iTunes will create a copy of the song with the times that you have selected.

Fix Your Files

Next, go back to the song you’ve altered and undo the time changes you made in the options. That way, when you go back to listen to it later, it doesn’t just play the short clip you arranged.  Then take the short version for your ringtone to your desktop, and return to iTunes. Delete the short version from iTunes, so the copy isn’t taking up space in iTunes anymore.

Make the iPhone Ringtone

Next, go to the short track on your desktop, click on it, and change the name. Notice the format of the song is MPEG4 (‘M4A’ file extension). You’re just going to delete the A, to create an R, so the file’s extension would be .M4R instead of .M4A. If an alert comes up, confirm that you’re changing the extension.

Double-click on the song, and when it starts playing, it’s added in your ringtones automatically. Finally, on your iPhone, go to the ringtones section and sync it. Now your ringtone will be on it.

Adding personalized ringtones can make an old phone feel like new.  Before you purchase a new phone for fancy build-in ringtones, consider trying this simple method.  If your current phone isn’t performing properly, getting it fixed will also make it new.  Don’t take chances: leave iPhone repairs to the experts at iFixYouri.

Smartphone, Tablet and Computer Repairs and News